ORR Issues Field Guidance on Fingerprint Background Checks for Family Reunification Applications

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) issued field guidance on fingerprint background checks and acceptable supporting documentation for family reunification applications. Effective immediately, ORR now requires fingerprinting for all adult sponsors and their adult household members aged 18 and over, and adult caregivers identified in a Sponsor Care Plan, among other requirements. The guidance replaces ORR background check requirements described at UAC Policy Guide Section 2.5.1 Background Check Requirements. Further, UAC MAP section 2.5.1 – Quick Glance: Release of UAC Prior to Receiving Fingerprint Results is suspended and will be replaced with procedures consistent with this guidance.